The other day, I had the unexpected opportunity to visit my childhood playground—and it hit me in a way I didn’t see coming.
I was heading out on a fishing trip with a friend when they suggested we stop by a lake in Busse Woods. As soon as I stepped out and looked around, it all came rushing back. This was the place my dad and I used to come to all the time. It felt like every weekend we were somewhere fishing, but this spot held a special place in my heart.
This was where I learned patience.
Where I learned dedication.
Where I had some of the most meaningful conversations with my father.
There were hills we had to climb, long walks that felt like journeys, and more than enough moments that doubled as exercise without us even realizing it. I remember sitting there, watching my dad completely focused on fishing while I was off doing everything else—exploring, wandering, just being a kid.
But even in those quiet moments, I was learning.
No matter what was going on…
No matter how slow the fish were biting…
No matter the circumstances…
My dad had a way of just being present. He would breathe, take it all in, and enjoy the environment. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what I was witnessing—but looking back, I realize how powerful that was.
Growing up, I didn’t always have the opportunity to just go outside and play freely because of the environment I was in. But this place—this lake, these woods—gave me that chance. It was more than fishing. It was building fires, exploring the woods, meeting new people from all walks of life, and simply experiencing what it meant to be a kid.
Standing there again as an adult, I wasn’t just looking at a location—I was looking at a foundation.
A foundation that helped shape who I am today.
Those moments instilled in me a sense of discipline, patience, and excellence. They taught me how to be present, how to appreciate the process, and how to find peace in the middle of everything.
And now I understand…
These are the kinds of experiences every child needs—not just to grow, but to become.